I have good news - and I have bad news.
The good news (for students) is that due to last night's snow and high wind, today school was cancelled and the Winter Break began a day early. But now for the bad news. Our gift exchange and holiday party was set for today. The homerooms will exchange gifts when we return in January. Our Homeroom will also celebrate a December 20th birthday in January.
But wait -there's more! Because of the set up of the new calendar, the December 21 snow day will be made up on March 18 (formerly the first day of the two week Spring Break - The calendar was designed to be able to use the first five days of the Spring Break as make up days for lost snow days.)
Apparently, what the weather giveth, the weather taketh away.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Thursday, December 20, 2012
January 8-11, 2013
Time for the two week holiday break is almost here - and there's not a fifth grader in the building who's not eagerly waiting for tomorrow's final bell at 2:10
We did finish up the test in science today on the muscular/skeletal system that Mrs. Ashley and I put together this week. It covered the skeleton and several important bones, the jump rope investigation, our study of owl pellets, muscles, ligaments and tendons, the three different types of joints, and our study of prototypes and the scientific method through the Dolphin Tale video.
As mentioned earlier, the two week holiday break begins with dismissal tomorrow (Dec 21); school resumes at the regular time on Tuesday, January 8.
Agenda for January 8-11
Tuesday, January 8: Science- Review the Muscular-skeletal system and introduce the digestive system
Wednesday, January 9: Science- Reading about the digestive system in the FOSS reader; Soc Stud- Review English Colonies
Thursday, January 10: Science- Magic Schoolbus (Inside Ralphie); Soc Stud- USA Weekly #11
Friday, January 11: Science- Tastebud investigation and Digestive System simulation!)
We did finish up the test in science today on the muscular/skeletal system that Mrs. Ashley and I put together this week. It covered the skeleton and several important bones, the jump rope investigation, our study of owl pellets, muscles, ligaments and tendons, the three different types of joints, and our study of prototypes and the scientific method through the Dolphin Tale video.
As mentioned earlier, the two week holiday break begins with dismissal tomorrow (Dec 21); school resumes at the regular time on Tuesday, January 8.
Have a fun break!
Agenda for January 8-11
Tuesday, January 8: Science- Review the Muscular-skeletal system and introduce the digestive system
Wednesday, January 9: Science- Reading about the digestive system in the FOSS reader; Soc Stud- Review English Colonies
Thursday, January 10: Science- Magic Schoolbus (Inside Ralphie); Soc Stud- USA Weekly #11
Friday, January 11: Science- Tastebud investigation and Digestive System simulation!)
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Dolphin Tale
I don't like showing movies in class just as a time filler or for purely entertainment purposes. I guess my feeling is that's what students do in front of the TV and at the local cineplex.
However, when a film comes along that fits perfectly into our curriculum, Mrs. Ashley and I are more than ready to incorporate it into our schedule. This Tuesday and Wednesday just such a film was used in our classrooms. Dolphin Tale is based on the true story of Winter, a dolphin who was injured in a crab trap and rescued by the Clearwater (FL) Marine Aquarium. Unfortunately, her tail became so badly infected that it had to be amputated. Subsequently, after a long period of trial and error, she was successfully fitted with a prosthetic tail.
This story perfectly meshed with several of the standards we've been teaching in our unit on the muscular-skeletal systems of humans and animals. It reinforced our lessons on how muscles and skeletons work together to provide movement, how some non-functioning body parts can be replaced with prosthetics, and how the scientific method can be used to develop prototypes and models of new and developing technology. These concepts were thoroughly discussed as we watched the film and teacher created assessments are currently being used to evaluate student understanding of those concepts. The film also stressed some of the character qualities we have introduced to our classes, such as persistence, resourcefulness, and compassion.
If you'd like to view the movie at home with your children I'm sure they'd love to see it again. It's available wherever DVD's are available. Also check out Winter's website at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium at www.seewinter.com
However, when a film comes along that fits perfectly into our curriculum, Mrs. Ashley and I are more than ready to incorporate it into our schedule. This Tuesday and Wednesday just such a film was used in our classrooms. Dolphin Tale is based on the true story of Winter, a dolphin who was injured in a crab trap and rescued by the Clearwater (FL) Marine Aquarium. Unfortunately, her tail became so badly infected that it had to be amputated. Subsequently, after a long period of trial and error, she was successfully fitted with a prosthetic tail.
This story perfectly meshed with several of the standards we've been teaching in our unit on the muscular-skeletal systems of humans and animals. It reinforced our lessons on how muscles and skeletons work together to provide movement, how some non-functioning body parts can be replaced with prosthetics, and how the scientific method can be used to develop prototypes and models of new and developing technology. These concepts were thoroughly discussed as we watched the film and teacher created assessments are currently being used to evaluate student understanding of those concepts. The film also stressed some of the character qualities we have introduced to our classes, such as persistence, resourcefulness, and compassion.
If you'd like to view the movie at home with your children I'm sure they'd love to see it again. It's available wherever DVD's are available. Also check out Winter's website at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium at www.seewinter.com
Saturday, December 15, 2012
December 17-21
All of us at MIS are trying to understand the unbelievable tragedy this week in Connecticut. We also want to assure you that we take student security very seriously. Just recently we conducted one of our regular "Code Red" drills so your children understand how to help us keep them safe in just such an emergency. I know students are sometimes annoyed that my classroom door is usually locked, but in the unlikely chance that an emergency would arise, that detail is already covered.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agenda for Dec. 17-21
Monday 12/17
Social Studies - USA Weekly Newspaper: Benjamin Franklin
Science - Tendons and Ligaments: Study Guide for 12/20 Test
Tuesday 12/18
Science - Dolphin Tale video wrap up for study of body systems
Wednesday 12/19
Science - Finish up Dolphin Tale and written checkup activities
Social Studies - US Colonial period (Middle Colonies)
Thursday 12/20
Science - Test on skeletal and muscular systems
Friday 12/21
Science - Body System Quiz Game
Holiday celebrations
HAVE A HAPPY HOLIDAY AND A RESTFUL BREAK! SEE YOU IN JANUARY.
.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agenda for Dec. 17-21
Monday 12/17
Social Studies - USA Weekly Newspaper: Benjamin Franklin
Science - Tendons and Ligaments: Study Guide for 12/20 Test
Tuesday 12/18
Science - Dolphin Tale video wrap up for study of body systems
Wednesday 12/19
Science - Finish up Dolphin Tale and written checkup activities
Social Studies - US Colonial period (Middle Colonies)
Thursday 12/20
Science - Test on skeletal and muscular systems
Friday 12/21
Science - Body System Quiz Game
Holiday celebrations
HAVE A HAPPY HOLIDAY AND A RESTFUL BREAK! SEE YOU IN JANUARY.
.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
December 10-14
Week of December 10-14 - Agenda
Science:
Last Friday students took a short quiz on the skeletal system and our investigation of owl pellets. Rodent bones discovered in the pellets were reassembled and glued onto a rodent skeleton chart. This week we're continuing our study of the human body with several investigations on the structure and function of joints.
Monday - Naming joints by structure and function
Tuesday - Bones in a Bag activity (reassembling joints)
Wednesday - Thumb joint task activity investigation
Thursday - Making a working leg model
Friday - Making a working arm model
Social Studies:
Tuesday - Acuity Social Studies Test in 5th grade computer lab
Wednesday - Map reading practice
Thursday - USA Weekly newspaper: New England Colonies
_____________________________________________________
Winter Celebration Gift Exchange
Here's a copy of the note sent home with students on Monday (Dec. 3)
Science:
Last Friday students took a short quiz on the skeletal system and our investigation of owl pellets. Rodent bones discovered in the pellets were reassembled and glued onto a rodent skeleton chart. This week we're continuing our study of the human body with several investigations on the structure and function of joints.
Monday - Naming joints by structure and function
Tuesday - Bones in a Bag activity (reassembling joints)
Wednesday - Thumb joint task activity investigation
Thursday - Making a working leg model
Friday - Making a working arm model
Social Studies:
Tuesday - Acuity Social Studies Test in 5th grade computer lab
Wednesday - Map reading practice
Thursday - USA Weekly newspaper: New England Colonies
_____________________________________________________
Winter Celebration Gift Exchange
Here's a copy of the note sent home with students on Monday (Dec. 3)
To add to the festivities that
winter-time brings, voluntary students will participate in a “Small Token School
Supply Gift Exchange.” Each voluntary student is asked to bring
in a wrapped school supply that costs $1.00.
Our character trait for the month of December is “thriftiness”. We are teaching
students to be resourceful and follow the three environmental R’s = reduce,
reuse and recycle! Therefore, we ask
that students who choose to bring in a gift, think frugally and stick to the $1.00
limit. You can visit our local Dollar
Tree or Dollar General to find some great and fun school supplies that students
can enjoy and use in class for minimal cost.
Many students are low on glue and are in need of scissors that have gone
missing or crayons/markers. Students are always in need of more pencils and
paper!
Boys will buy a boy-related item
and girls will buy a girl-related item.
Each student’s wrapped gift
will be placed in a large bag. Please
mark your gift “To a Girl” or “To a Boy” and “From: insert your name” on the
wrapped gift. Student Names will be
randomly called to take an item from the bag to open. After each person
receives a gift, we will open and share our new and useful school supply and
emphasize gratefulness; the true meaning of the season.J
We appreciate your help and
support in making this season special for your child here at school. We’ve had so many generous parents that are
so willing to donate their time and materials. We appreciate you! J
HOLIDAY EVENTS TIMELINE:
- ***Students who plan to participate must bring in the gift by Wednesday, December 19th.
- Winter Holiday Party on Friday, Dec. 21st from 1:20-2:10
- REMINDER: Students begin Holiday Break on FRIDAY, December 21st at 2:10.
- Holiday
Break: December 22- January 7.
- School is
back in session on Tuesday, January 8.
- See you
next year!! J
~The MIS Fifth Grade Team
Sunday, November 18, 2012
November 19-21
Lizard Adoption Week
By now, everyone adopting one (or two) of our class anoles has been notified as of last Tuesday. The anoles must be picked up in my room at school after school either Monday (Nov 19), Tuesday (Nov 20), or Wednesday (Nov 21). Students need to have a parent along for the pickup as live animals are not allowed on the buses.
Bring a secure box with air holes to transfer the lizards to their new homes. Immediate needs are a terrarium (pet store or wal mart), a heat source (We're using clamp lamps with 60 watt bulbs. A small reptile light from a pet store is preferable), spring water with a sprayer for daily spraying, and food (i.e. Live small crickets - 1 dozen a week would be sufficient. They've been fed here about 3 times a week with approximately 2 crickets per feeding. Mrs. Ashley checked prices of live small crickets at Speck's in Greenfield last Friday and found price to be around $1.50/dozen. Check with your favorite pet store for specific cost.)
Spending a lot isn't necessary to maintain your new family member. Students have learned how to use natural materials to set up a terrarium. (Local soil, Sticks from trees, Toilet paper rolls, Found rocks, Leftover grass seed from this past summer)
The anoles must be picked up on this week. I will be at school until 3:30 pm all three days. If you need to pick up earlier in the day, call the office (326-3121) to let them know when you'd like to come for pick up. All anoles will be gone after Wednesday afternoon.
Fall Celebration
The fifth grade Fall Celebration is set for Wednesday, November 21 from 1:30 to 2:00. If you would like to send in a treat (cookies, etc.), bottled water, napkins, or paper plates for 29 students, e-mail me at jellars@gcsc.k12.in.us
This Week's Agenda
Monday, November 19 (Gold Day)
1. U.S. Cities race
2. Lizard Kings: The Monitor Lizard [PBS video]
Tuesday, November 20 (Blue Day)
1. Open journal science test over our Food Chain investigation
2. Science Activity #11 - Food Chain Game
Wednesday, November 21 (Gold Day)
1. Spanish come to the New World
2. Science Activity #12 - The Web of Life
__________________________________
Extra: Here's a copy of the handout to be given to all lizard "adopters" this week.
Learn more about the care and feeding of these fascinating creatures in books available at pet stores and your local library, by checking “anole care” on the internet, and by talking to your favorite pet store carrying reptiles.
By now, everyone adopting one (or two) of our class anoles has been notified as of last Tuesday. The anoles must be picked up in my room at school after school either Monday (Nov 19), Tuesday (Nov 20), or Wednesday (Nov 21). Students need to have a parent along for the pickup as live animals are not allowed on the buses.
Bring a secure box with air holes to transfer the lizards to their new homes. Immediate needs are a terrarium (pet store or wal mart), a heat source (We're using clamp lamps with 60 watt bulbs. A small reptile light from a pet store is preferable), spring water with a sprayer for daily spraying, and food (i.e. Live small crickets - 1 dozen a week would be sufficient. They've been fed here about 3 times a week with approximately 2 crickets per feeding. Mrs. Ashley checked prices of live small crickets at Speck's in Greenfield last Friday and found price to be around $1.50/dozen. Check with your favorite pet store for specific cost.)
Spending a lot isn't necessary to maintain your new family member. Students have learned how to use natural materials to set up a terrarium. (Local soil, Sticks from trees, Toilet paper rolls, Found rocks, Leftover grass seed from this past summer)
The anoles must be picked up on this week. I will be at school until 3:30 pm all three days. If you need to pick up earlier in the day, call the office (326-3121) to let them know when you'd like to come for pick up. All anoles will be gone after Wednesday afternoon.
Fall Celebration
The fifth grade Fall Celebration is set for Wednesday, November 21 from 1:30 to 2:00. If you would like to send in a treat (cookies, etc.), bottled water, napkins, or paper plates for 29 students, e-mail me at jellars@gcsc.k12.in.us
This Week's Agenda
Monday, November 19 (Gold Day)
1. U.S. Cities race
2. Lizard Kings: The Monitor Lizard [PBS video]
Tuesday, November 20 (Blue Day)
1. Open journal science test over our Food Chain investigation
2. Science Activity #11 - Food Chain Game
Wednesday, November 21 (Gold Day)
1. Spanish come to the New World
2. Science Activity #12 - The Web of Life
Have a Great Thanksgiving!
__________________________________
Extra: Here's a copy of the handout to be given to all lizard "adopters" this week.
Anole
Information
Thanks for adopting an anole! Here are a few tips for care.
Terrarium:
Anoles need a controlled environment. The terrarium should be their habitat at all times. Do not allow them loose in the house. (They’re extremely skittish and hard to catch.) They also don’t react well to excessive handling and prefer a life of leisure in the terrarium. If handled, be sure to wash your hands after contact with the lizards or their environment.
Anoles need a controlled environment. The terrarium should be their habitat at all times. Do not allow them loose in the house. (They’re extremely skittish and hard to catch.) They also don’t react well to excessive handling and prefer a life of leisure in the terrarium. If handled, be sure to wash your hands after contact with the lizards or their environment.
A small terrarium about the size of the ones used at school
is adequate. Your child’s journal should have a sheet showing the basic setup
needed for the lizards. We also stressed using natural materials, rather than
expensive store bought material. (local soil, climbing sticks fallen from
trees, found rocks, toilet paper rolls, leftover grass seed from the past
summer.
Heat Source:
We’ve been using inexpensive clamp lamps (I purchased one from Home Depot – the cheapest one available) with 60 watt light bulbs. Reptile bulbs provide more of the sunlike radiation needed to maintain good health. These are available at pet stores. For anoles, get the smallest bulb available. Your favorite pet store will also give you more detailed information on heating needs for a healthy reptile environment.
We’ve been using inexpensive clamp lamps (I purchased one from Home Depot – the cheapest one available) with 60 watt light bulbs. Reptile bulbs provide more of the sunlike radiation needed to maintain good health. These are available at pet stores. For anoles, get the smallest bulb available. Your favorite pet store will also give you more detailed information on heating needs for a healthy reptile environment.
Food / Water:
The terrarium should be sprayed daily with spring water. (I purchased spring water at Wal-Mart for 88 cents/gallon) Use an inexpensive household sprayer. Lizards will like water off the walls and surfaces. They will also drink from small water dishes but frequently knock those over.
The terrarium should be sprayed daily with spring water. (I purchased spring water at Wal-Mart for 88 cents/gallon) Use an inexpensive household sprayer. Lizards will like water off the walls and surfaces. They will also drink from small water dishes but frequently knock those over.
Anoles are insectivores – they eat small live insects. Live crickets are
available at pet stores. Mrs. Ashley checked prices at Speck’s in Greenfield
last week and found cost to be approximately $1.50 per dozen. We’ve been
feeding ours three times a week with one to three crickets per anole per
feeding. They will occasionally eat small mealworms but aren’t as interested in
them as with the crickets. The crickets need to be small or pinhead crickets.
The anoles are not able to eat the larger crickets. (Warning: Never feed
lightning bugs to anoles – they’re poisonous to them.)
Learn more about the care and feeding of these fascinating creatures in books available at pet stores and your local library, by checking “anole care” on the internet, and by talking to your favorite pet store carrying reptiles.
Friday, November 9, 2012
November 12-16, 2012
Permission Slips
Permission slips for BizTown and the DARE picnic went home several weeks ago. We're asking that parents return the permission before Thanksgiving vacation. The cost is $20.00 per student and is due by January 31, 2013. If this causes financial hardships, please contact me at Maxwell (326-3121). Also, check out the BizTown information on the school website for more information about the program, about volunteer information (we need about 25 volunteers altogether), and to see some pictures from last year's program.
(http://apps.gcsc.k12.in.us/blogs/dknecht-strong/biztown/)
Veterans' Day
Fifth grade will be celebrating Veterans' Day this year with a program in the gymnasium on Tuesday, November 13 from 8:00-8:30. Parents and relatives are certainly invited to attend.
Lizard Adoption
Students have been bringing in permission slips for adoption of one of our class anoles (i.e. small American Chameleons). Parents need to be aware that there is some expense involved in keeping a lizard as a pet. The anoles will require a terrarium with terrarium setup materials, a lamp with a reptile light bulb that simulates full spectrum sunlight, spring water and a misting spray bottle for a daily spraying with water, and a continuing supply of live crickets. Terrariums and setup materials are available at stores such as Wal Mart and pet stores (such as Speck's in Greenfield, Pet Smart, Uncle Bill's, etc.). Spring water and spray bottles can be found at most grocery and convenience stores. Anoles need to be fed small crickets or equivalent insects. We've purchased crickets from Speck's in Greenfield. Information on the care and feeding of anoles is available in most libraries, pet stores, and online. (http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/lizardsaspets/a/greenanolecare.htm)
The drawing for students with permission slips will be held this week so that parents can be informed by Wednesday, November 14 to provide adequate time to make necessary preparations. Parents of students adopting lizards will need to come to school on November 19, 20, or 21 to pick up your new family member as live animals are not allowed on the school bus. I will be in the room each of those afternoons from 2:10 until 3:30. Bring a box with holes (shoe boxes work great) to transport the anoles home.
=========================================================
This Week's Agenda
Monday, Nov 12 (Blue Day)
1. Science: Bill Nye video on plants / Sudy guide and discussion
2. Social Studies: Homework - Study for major cities quiz on Wednesday
3. Anole feeding
Tuesday, Nov 13 (Gold Day)
1. Veterans' Day program 8:00-8:30
2. Science: Soil Activity #1
3. Social Studies: Homework - Study for major cities quiz on Wednesday
Wednesday, Nov 14 (Blue Day)
1. Social Studies: Major cities quiz (Study guide was created and sent home on Thursday, Nov 8
2. Science: Magic School Bus video - "Get Planted"
3. Anole feeding
4. Adoption drawing
Thursday, Nov 15 (Gold Day & Fun Day)
1. Social Studies: Columbus' Expedition
2. Science: Soil Activity #2
Friday, Nov 16 (Blue Day)
1. Science: Quiz over this week's vocabulary and activities
2. Anole feeding
Permission slips for BizTown and the DARE picnic went home several weeks ago. We're asking that parents return the permission before Thanksgiving vacation. The cost is $20.00 per student and is due by January 31, 2013. If this causes financial hardships, please contact me at Maxwell (326-3121). Also, check out the BizTown information on the school website for more information about the program, about volunteer information (we need about 25 volunteers altogether), and to see some pictures from last year's program.
(http://apps.gcsc.k12.in.us/blogs/dknecht-strong/biztown/)
Veterans' Day
Fifth grade will be celebrating Veterans' Day this year with a program in the gymnasium on Tuesday, November 13 from 8:00-8:30. Parents and relatives are certainly invited to attend.
Lizard Adoption
Students have been bringing in permission slips for adoption of one of our class anoles (i.e. small American Chameleons). Parents need to be aware that there is some expense involved in keeping a lizard as a pet. The anoles will require a terrarium with terrarium setup materials, a lamp with a reptile light bulb that simulates full spectrum sunlight, spring water and a misting spray bottle for a daily spraying with water, and a continuing supply of live crickets. Terrariums and setup materials are available at stores such as Wal Mart and pet stores (such as Speck's in Greenfield, Pet Smart, Uncle Bill's, etc.). Spring water and spray bottles can be found at most grocery and convenience stores. Anoles need to be fed small crickets or equivalent insects. We've purchased crickets from Speck's in Greenfield. Information on the care and feeding of anoles is available in most libraries, pet stores, and online. (http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/lizardsaspets/a/greenanolecare.htm)
The drawing for students with permission slips will be held this week so that parents can be informed by Wednesday, November 14 to provide adequate time to make necessary preparations. Parents of students adopting lizards will need to come to school on November 19, 20, or 21 to pick up your new family member as live animals are not allowed on the school bus. I will be in the room each of those afternoons from 2:10 until 3:30. Bring a box with holes (shoe boxes work great) to transport the anoles home.
=========================================================
This Week's Agenda
Monday, Nov 12 (Blue Day)
1. Science: Bill Nye video on plants / Sudy guide and discussion
2. Social Studies: Homework - Study for major cities quiz on Wednesday
3. Anole feeding
Tuesday, Nov 13 (Gold Day)
1. Veterans' Day program 8:00-8:30
2. Science: Soil Activity #1
3. Social Studies: Homework - Study for major cities quiz on Wednesday
Wednesday, Nov 14 (Blue Day)
1. Social Studies: Major cities quiz (Study guide was created and sent home on Thursday, Nov 8
2. Science: Magic School Bus video - "Get Planted"
3. Anole feeding
4. Adoption drawing
Thursday, Nov 15 (Gold Day & Fun Day)
1. Social Studies: Columbus' Expedition
2. Science: Soil Activity #2
Friday, Nov 16 (Blue Day)
1. Science: Quiz over this week's vocabulary and activities
2. Anole feeding
Saturday, November 3, 2012
November 5-9
Science
Care sheet for green anoles: http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/lizardsaspets/a/greenanolecare.htm
Social Studies
Printable U.S. outline maps from Eduation Place: http://www.eduplace.com/ss/maps/usa.html
Fifth Grade News
The fifth grade Veterans' Day program is set for Tuesday, November 13 at 8:00 in the gymnasium. Parents and relatives are invited to attend this short program honoring all those who have served our country through military service.
- The anoles (American Southeastern Chameleons) came to spend some time with the fifth grade last week. Student teams have been working on the construction of terrarium homes for the lizards and have successfully been feeding crickets to them. We'll be continuing our study of food chains and webs this week through observation of the anoles as well as some observation of crickets and earthworms.
- Monday: Blocks 1 and 2 need to complete the observation of earthworms and their body parts. After observation, the worms will take up permanent residence in the terrariums. Block 3 will be doing some additions to the terrariums and will add a worm anatomy sheet to their science journals.
- Tuesday: Blocks 1 and 2 will add their worm anatomy sheets to the journals. All three blocks will begin reading in the Food Chain reading book about food chains and webs. Groups will also review cricket anatomy for a quiz tomorrow. (Tuesday is a scheduled feeding day for the lizards.)
- Wednesday: Short quiz on cricket anatomy. Students may use their notes from the science journal for this activity.
- Thursday: Insect video. (Thursday is another scheduled feeding day. Have your student explain why reptiles need less food than warm blooded animals.)
- Friday: More work in the Food Chain reading book today.
Care sheet for green anoles: http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/lizardsaspets/a/greenanolecare.htm
Social Studies
- Monday and Tuesday: Elections and voting - Homework: Remind your parents to go to the polls and vote on Tuesday!
- Wednesday: Make a study map of 10 major U.S. cities that are not capitals. (New York, Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis, New Orleans, Denver, Los Angeles, Houston, Phoenix, and Miami). A map test on the location of these cities is set for Wednesday, November 14.
Printable U.S. outline maps from Eduation Place: http://www.eduplace.com/ss/maps/usa.html
Fifth Grade News
The fifth grade Veterans' Day program is set for Tuesday, November 13 at 8:00 in the gymnasium. Parents and relatives are invited to attend this short program honoring all those who have served our country through military service.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
October 29 - November 2
Class News:
Red Ribbon Week activities begin this week. Students will be discussing drug use issues throughout the next five days.
The fifth grade Veterans' Day program is set for Tuesday, November 13 at 8:00 in the gymnasium. Parents and relatives are invited to attend this short program honoring all those who have served our country through military service.
Parent-Teacher conferences continue Monday, October 29 from 3:00 to 6:30.
This Week's Agenda:
Science:
Monday and Tuesday - Review work done in our investigations studying Variables.
(Review on Monday and checkup on Tuesday. The checkup will be an "open book" quiz. On Monday, students will create a short study guide. The homework assignment for Monday is to review that study sheet.)
Wednesday through Friday - Begin module on food chains and webs. We'll be setting up terrariums with lizards, crickets, and earthworms. The first investigation will involve observing and drawing the crickets and earthworms.
Social Studies:
We've finished our unit on Native Americans and have moved on to the Age of Exploration. Last week we traced the footsteps of Marco Polo. A young Italian explorer was heavily influenced by Polo's accounts - Christopher Columbus. In his attempt to reach the Far East by sailing west, he accidentally discovered the new world. This week students will begin a study of Columbus and his role in European-American contact.
Links:
Fact Zoo -
http://www.factzoo.com/reptiles/types-of-lizards.html
Food Chain -
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/content/animals/kidscorner/foodchain/foodchain.htm
National Geographic Columbus Video -
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/kids/history-kids/christopher-columbus-kids/
jellars@gcsc.k12.in.us
Red Ribbon Week activities begin this week. Students will be discussing drug use issues throughout the next five days.
The fifth grade Veterans' Day program is set for Tuesday, November 13 at 8:00 in the gymnasium. Parents and relatives are invited to attend this short program honoring all those who have served our country through military service.
Parent-Teacher conferences continue Monday, October 29 from 3:00 to 6:30.
This Week's Agenda:
Science:
Monday and Tuesday - Review work done in our investigations studying Variables.
(Review on Monday and checkup on Tuesday. The checkup will be an "open book" quiz. On Monday, students will create a short study guide. The homework assignment for Monday is to review that study sheet.)
Wednesday through Friday - Begin module on food chains and webs. We'll be setting up terrariums with lizards, crickets, and earthworms. The first investigation will involve observing and drawing the crickets and earthworms.
Social Studies:
We've finished our unit on Native Americans and have moved on to the Age of Exploration. Last week we traced the footsteps of Marco Polo. A young Italian explorer was heavily influenced by Polo's accounts - Christopher Columbus. In his attempt to reach the Far East by sailing west, he accidentally discovered the new world. This week students will begin a study of Columbus and his role in European-American contact.
Links:
Fact Zoo -
http://www.factzoo.com/reptiles/types-of-lizards.html
Food Chain -
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/content/animals/kidscorner/foodchain/foodchain.htm
National Geographic Columbus Video -
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/kids/history-kids/christopher-columbus-kids/
jellars@gcsc.k12.in.us
Friday, October 12, 2012
Mr. Ellars' Homeroom Conferences (Oct. 25 & 29)
There are still a few conference times remaining for Parent-Teacher conferences with my homeroom students.
Thursday, October 25 at 3:45 and 4:00
Monday, October 29 at 3:15, 3:30, 4:00, and 4:15
Phone conferences and alternate dates can be arranged.
jellars@gcsc.k12.in.us
Thursday, October 25 at 3:45 and 4:00
Monday, October 29 at 3:15, 3:30, 4:00, and 4:15
Phone conferences and alternate dates can be arranged.
jellars@gcsc.k12.in.us
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
October 22-26
October 8, 2012
The first quarter, believe it or not, is over. Grades are currently being entered and processed and report cards for the first grading period should be available at the end of our first week back from the Fall Break.
Thanks to all the parents for their help in finishing up the fifth graders' Native American projects. A wide variety of ideas were presented to classmates last week. Models, posters, reports, power point presentations, Native American costumes, artifacts, and even a dance lesson were exhibited and explained. Hats off to everyone for a very successful project!
Parent-Teacher conferences are coming Thursday, October 25 and Monday, October 29. All conferences will be with your child's Homeroom teacher for 15 minutes between 3:00 and 6:30. Please contact your child's Homeroom teacher if you haven't scheduled a conference yet.
Dknecht-strong@gcsc.k12.in.us
Agreulich@gcsc.k12.in.us
Jellars@gcsc.k12.in.us
October 22-26, 2012
Science
We'll be finishing up our investigation of variables with the construction of plastic spoon catapults (a.k.a. "flippers"). Students will be experimentating with variables that affect the performance of those catapults.
Watch medieval catapults in action -
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApwIGvUjZoE&feature=related
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1EAA7pkEJ4&feature=related
Social Studies
We'll begin Chapter 3, European Exploration, with the story of Marco Polo and his travels to China in the 13th century
Read about Marco Polo - http://www.silk-road.com/artl/marcopolo.shtml
The first quarter, believe it or not, is over. Grades are currently being entered and processed and report cards for the first grading period should be available at the end of our first week back from the Fall Break.
Thanks to all the parents for their help in finishing up the fifth graders' Native American projects. A wide variety of ideas were presented to classmates last week. Models, posters, reports, power point presentations, Native American costumes, artifacts, and even a dance lesson were exhibited and explained. Hats off to everyone for a very successful project!
Parent-Teacher conferences are coming Thursday, October 25 and Monday, October 29. All conferences will be with your child's Homeroom teacher for 15 minutes between 3:00 and 6:30. Please contact your child's Homeroom teacher if you haven't scheduled a conference yet.
Dknecht-strong@gcsc.k12.in.us
Agreulich@gcsc.k12.in.us
Jellars@gcsc.k12.in.us
October 22-26, 2012
Science
We'll be finishing up our investigation of variables with the construction of plastic spoon catapults (a.k.a. "flippers"). Students will be experimentating with variables that affect the performance of those catapults.
Watch medieval catapults in action -
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApwIGvUjZoE&feature=related
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1EAA7pkEJ4&feature=related
Social Studies
We'll begin Chapter 3, European Exploration, with the story of Marco Polo and his travels to China in the 13th century
Read about Marco Polo - http://www.silk-road.com/artl/marcopolo.shtml
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Week of October 1-5
Parent - Teacher Conferences
The first quarter ends this Friday, October 5 and parent-teacher conferences are set for Thursday, October 25 and Monday, October 29. About half of you signed up for conference times at our Meet Your Teacher Night in August and will receive reminder/confirmation notes next week. Everyone who still needs to reserve a time should have received a form Friday afternoon. They were sent home in your child's Gold Take Home folder. Please return the form with your first three choices to school as soon as possible. Alternately, you may e-mail your choices to me at jellars@gcsc.k12.in.us
Reservation times will be filled first-come,first-served. Conferences may also be conducted by phone (just let me know your phone number and the most convenient time after 2:00 pm to contact you) or on an alternate date after 2:00 pm.
******************************************************************
OOPS! - Just noticed on the school website that I've listed social studies assignments in the science section and science in the social studies area. Mea Culpa!
******************************************************************
This Week's Agenda
Science
Monday: Finish up work on the Flight Investigation
Tuesday: Prepare study guide for the flight quiz on Thursday (Homework-Study for quiz)
Wednesday: Review for quiz (Homework-Study for quiz)
Thursday: Flight investigation quiz
Friday: Video on flight with viewing questions
Social Studies
Monday: Homework-Study for Western states and capitals quiz coming on Wednesday
Tuesday: Native American projects are due. Share projects with class. (Study for quiz)
Wednesday: Western states and capitals quiz
Thursday: Finish up project presentations and play Native American game
******************************************************************
October 8 - 19 Fall Break
Have a great two weeks and we'll see you back at Maxwell on October 22.
The first quarter ends this Friday, October 5 and parent-teacher conferences are set for Thursday, October 25 and Monday, October 29. About half of you signed up for conference times at our Meet Your Teacher Night in August and will receive reminder/confirmation notes next week. Everyone who still needs to reserve a time should have received a form Friday afternoon. They were sent home in your child's Gold Take Home folder. Please return the form with your first three choices to school as soon as possible. Alternately, you may e-mail your choices to me at jellars@gcsc.k12.in.us
Reservation times will be filled first-come,first-served. Conferences may also be conducted by phone (just let me know your phone number and the most convenient time after 2:00 pm to contact you) or on an alternate date after 2:00 pm.
******************************************************************
OOPS! - Just noticed on the school website that I've listed social studies assignments in the science section and science in the social studies area. Mea Culpa!
******************************************************************
This Week's Agenda
Science
Monday: Finish up work on the Flight Investigation
Tuesday: Prepare study guide for the flight quiz on Thursday (Homework-Study for quiz)
Wednesday: Review for quiz (Homework-Study for quiz)
Thursday: Flight investigation quiz
Friday: Video on flight with viewing questions
Social Studies
Monday: Homework-Study for Western states and capitals quiz coming on Wednesday
Tuesday: Native American projects are due. Share projects with class. (Study for quiz)
Wednesday: Western states and capitals quiz
Thursday: Finish up project presentations and play Native American game
******************************************************************
October 8 - 19 Fall Break
Have a great two weeks and we'll see you back at Maxwell on October 22.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Week of September 24-28
This past Friday students saw a video presentation by Bill Nye on the principles of flight. Included in the presentation was an explanation of Bernoulli's Principle. Daniel Bernoulli was a Swiss mathematician and scientist whose discoveries in the field of fluid dynamics helped create the possibility of heavier than air flight. Students learned that the differences in the speed of air going over and under an airplane wing create lift that allows a plane to fly.
Here are some experiments you can try at home to demonstrate Bernoulli's Principle.
____________________________________________________
Science
Monday, September 24 (Gold Day)
Work on flight logs. We'll fly the planes the learning teams built last week to determine how winds of the propeller it takes to fly the full length of a flight line; and how many winds are required to fly half the length of a flight line. No homework.
Tuesday, September 25 (Blue Day)
Continue the study of how variables affect flight patterns by adding weight to the planes. No homework.
Wednesday, September 26 (Gold Day)
Short quiz on vocabulary. Read "Build Your Own Paper Airplane", page 29 in the FOSS reader.
Construct and conduct shuttle races. No homework
Thursday, September 27 (Blue Day)
Finish shuttle races if not done from Wednesday. Graph flight data using a two coordinate grid.
Friday, September 28 (Gold Day)
Read "Great Names in Aviation", pages 29-28 in the FOSS reader. There will be a writing assignment with this and a short video on the history of aviation.
Science work should be shared at home and then returned to the science binder to be used as study guides for quizzes, tests, and portfolio work.
____________________________________________________
Social Studies
Monday, September 24 (Gold Day)
Create Western states study guide. (Quiz on Wednesday, October 3) Discuss progress on Native American projects.
Tuesday, September 25 (Blue Day)
Native American activity centers
Wednesday, September 26 (Gold Day)
Anti-bullying discussion with Mr. Stroud
We're working on the location of states and state capitals by region and will have weekly tests. Our next region will be the Western states with a quiz on Wednesday, October 3. That will be the last quiz before our two week Fall Break.
Students are continuing to work on their Native American projects due October 2. (Check the blog archive for the week of September 17 to see the original assignment sent home with students.) This week students will receive information on what is expected from their presentation of the project to the class that week.
____________________________________________________
Parent-teacher conferences are coming up the week after the break. Many of you signed up at the Meet Your Teacher night in August. This week I'll be sending home a reminder of appointment times and an opportunity to schedule an appointment if you haven't done so yet.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Week of September 17-21
(I wasn't at school Friday due to a doctor's appointment, so some of the plans for the end of last week and ongoing into next week have changed.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Social Studies
Science
Here are some interesting websites on flight:
http://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/flight/modern/airplanes.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bv3m57u6ViE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gk6rNFVc1Gs&feature=related
And one showing the variable "condition of the sea" from the lifeboat investigation:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbueFXCsyD0&feature=related
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Social Studies
- In social studies this coming week we'll be finishing the foldable we started on Thursday of last week. The foldable is a summary of Native American culture in four regions of the United States: the southwest, the plains, the woodlands, and the northwest
- Students will also receive an assignment sheet this week for a Native American project wrapping up the Chapter 2 study of Native Americans.
- On Friday, September 21, students will be taking a quiz on the 13 midwestern states and capitals. Everyone should have brought home a study guide done in class this past Friday.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Native American Project
Directions: Choose a tribe to research and create a project of your choice. Among tribes mentioned in the book were the Iroquios, Tlingit, Lakota, Hodenosaunee, Mohawk, Hopi, Navajo, Crow, Algonkian, Seneca, Cherokee, and Inuit. These are only a few of many Native American tribes. Please see me if there is a tribe or a project not on the list that interests you, please see me for approval.
Project Options: You have the ultimate opportunity to showcase your creativity and imagination. Use clay, paint, crayons, markers, fabric, scissors, wood, stone, string...the possibilities are endless! Depending on which tribe you choose, there are numerous things you can create. Based on your research (books, encyclopedia, internet, etc.), choose an option to reflect your findings.
* Use poster board to display your findings
* Dress up in a traditional outfit
* Create a model of a village
* Create a model of the housing for your tribe (wigwam, tipi, hogan, etc.)
* Create an artifact - something used in daily life
* Construct a totem pole, a kachina doll, a headdress, a dreamcatcher, a toy, etc.
* Write a report
* Create a Power Point presentation (saved on your own flash drive)
* Other ideas?? Talk to me.
Due Date: October 2 - We'll set up a cultural exhibition. You need to present your project and give a brief description to the class on Tuesday, October 2 or Thursday, October 4.
Science
- Monday: Begin planning construction of powered model airplanes for our investigation of the variables affecting flight.
- Tuesday: Construct planes and begin test flights. Review concept of "systems." Also on Tuesday, a presentation on bullying by Mr. Stroud, school social worker.
- Wednesday: Describe and attempt flight challenges.
- Thursday: Work on flight logs.
- Friday: Design individual variable experiments.
Here are some interesting websites on flight:
http://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/flight/modern/airplanes.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bv3m57u6ViE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gk6rNFVc1Gs&feature=related
And one showing the variable "condition of the sea" from the lifeboat investigation:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbueFXCsyD0&feature=related
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Week of September 10-14
We're just about to finish up our investigation of the variables affecting the number of passengers (pennies) the paper cup lifeboats were able to hold before sinking. Along the way, we added two important words to our science vocabulary: capacity and density. Also, everyone had a chance to practice using a syringe and a graduated cylinder to measure capacity of the lifeboats before investigating how many passengers the boats would hold. The game "Will It Float?" helped in the understanding of density.
_______________________________________________
Monday, September 10
_______________________________________________
Monday, September 10
- Mr. Stroud is visiting today to discuss bullying with the students
- Science: A quiz on the lifeboat investigation is scheduled for Wednesday. Today we'll be working on a study guide for that quiz. Make sure you have your science binder with you today. Homework - Study for the Wednesday quiz
- Social Studies Homework - The southern states/capitals quiz is tomorrow.
- Social Studies: Quiz on southern states/capitals. The format will be identical to last week's northeastern states quiz. No homework
- Science: Class and partner review for lifeboat investigation quiz. Homework: Study for Wednesday quiz.
- Science: Lifeboat Investigation Quiz. No homework.
- Social Studies: Start work on Native Americans foldable. No homework.
- Science: Introduction of our next investigation, "Exploring Flight"
- Discuss tools, materials, and plans for airplane construction
- Begin construction of propeller driven airplanes
- Introduce new vocabulary: system
- No homework
- Social Studies: Study sheet for midwestern states and capitals. Quiz on Thursday, September 20.
- Science: Finish construction of airplanes and conduct test flights.
- No weekend homework.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Week of September 4-7
Monday - No school today - Labor Day
Tuesday -
Social Studies: Read pages 70-75 on the Native Americans of the Plains.
Science: Read "Sink or Swim", pages 10-11. Partner read and complete questions.
Wednesday -
Social Studies: Begin study of Southeastern U.S. states and capitals. Quiz on September 11.
Science: Continue investigation of lifeboats and use graphs to make predictions.
Thursday -
Social Studies: Read pages 76-81 on the Native Americans of the West with a study of the Tlingit
culture. (art technology, and social ceremonies)
Science: Continue investigation of lifeboats by applying predictions to other boats.
Friday -
Science: Read "Science in the Bathtub", pages 12-14. Partner read and complete answers.
Tuesday -
Social Studies: Read pages 70-75 on the Native Americans of the Plains.
Science: Read "Sink or Swim", pages 10-11. Partner read and complete questions.
Wednesday -
Social Studies: Begin study of Southeastern U.S. states and capitals. Quiz on September 11.
Science: Continue investigation of lifeboats and use graphs to make predictions.
Thursday -
Social Studies: Read pages 76-81 on the Native Americans of the West with a study of the Tlingit
culture. (art technology, and social ceremonies)
Science: Continue investigation of lifeboats by applying predictions to other boats.
Friday -
Science: Read "Science in the Bathtub", pages 12-14. Partner read and complete answers.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Week of August 27-31
Our science classes will be continuing study of variables and experimental design this week with an investigation of lifeboats. In this investigation students will:
[Science work should be shared at home and then returned to the science binder to serve as a study guide for future quizzes, tests, and project work.]
The social studies class this week will look at cause and effect (which also relates to scientific thinking) and will play some Native American games. There will be a test on the Northeastern states and capitals on Friday.
=========================================
This week's agenda -
Monday, August 27 (Blue Day)
1.Bellringer
2.Science Investigation 2.1 - construct and explore a 3 cm. paper-cup lifeboat
3.No homework
Tuesday, August 28 (Gold Day)
1.Bellringer
2.Social Studies - Biography of Hiawatha: text pages 66-67
3.Science Investigation 2.1 - find capacity of 3 cm. boats in metric units and set up controlled experiments.
4.Homework - Northeastern states and capitals worksheet (Study for Map Test Friday)
[Fundraiser kick-off today]
Wednesday, August 29 (Blue Day)
1.Bellringer
2.Science Investigation 2.1 - construct new different sized lifeboats and find capacity of each; add new vocabulary and content to notes
3.No homework
Thursday, August 30 (Gold Day)
1.Bellringer
2.Social Studies - Read "Cause and Effect": text pages 68-69
3.Science Investigation 2.2 - identify variables and set the standard boat loading procedures
4.Homework - Northeastern states and capitals worksheet (Study for Map Test Friday)
Friday, August 31 (Blue Day)
1.Bellringer
2.Northeastern states and capitals map test.
3.Science Investigation 2.2 - graph experimental results and use the graph to make predictions; relate the capacity of a boat to the number of passengers it can hold
4.No homework
No School on Monday, September 3 - Labor Day
=========================================
Links:
- Identify variables that might affect the number of passengers (i.e. pennies) a paper-cup boat can hold without sinking.
- Measure the capacity of paper-cup boats in metric units.
- Conduct controlled experiments.
- Graph the results of experiments and use the graph to make predictions.
- Relate the capacity (displacement) of a boat to the number of passengers it can hold.
- Use scientific thinking processes to conduct investigations and build explanations: observing, communicating, comparing, organizing, and relating.
[Science work should be shared at home and then returned to the science binder to serve as a study guide for future quizzes, tests, and project work.]
The social studies class this week will look at cause and effect (which also relates to scientific thinking) and will play some Native American games. There will be a test on the Northeastern states and capitals on Friday.
=========================================
This week's agenda -
Monday, August 27 (Blue Day)
1.Bellringer
2.Science Investigation 2.1 - construct and explore a 3 cm. paper-cup lifeboat
3.No homework
Tuesday, August 28 (Gold Day)
1.Bellringer
2.Social Studies - Biography of Hiawatha: text pages 66-67
3.Science Investigation 2.1 - find capacity of 3 cm. boats in metric units and set up controlled experiments.
4.Homework - Northeastern states and capitals worksheet (Study for Map Test Friday)
[Fundraiser kick-off today]
Wednesday, August 29 (Blue Day)
1.Bellringer
2.Science Investigation 2.1 - construct new different sized lifeboats and find capacity of each; add new vocabulary and content to notes
3.No homework
Thursday, August 30 (Gold Day)
1.Bellringer
2.Social Studies - Read "Cause and Effect": text pages 68-69
3.Science Investigation 2.2 - identify variables and set the standard boat loading procedures
4.Homework - Northeastern states and capitals worksheet (Study for Map Test Friday)
Friday, August 31 (Blue Day)
1.Bellringer
2.Northeastern states and capitals map test.
3.Science Investigation 2.2 - graph experimental results and use the graph to make predictions; relate the capacity of a boat to the number of passengers it can hold
4.No homework
No School on Monday, September 3 - Labor Day
=========================================
Links:
- Native American games and toys: http://www.nativetech.org/games/index.php
- Native American stories: http://www.ilhawaii.net/~stony/loreindx.html
- Online geography games: http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/web_games.htm
- Maxwell fifth grade gold team newsletters: http://apps.gcsc.k12.in.us/blogs/dknecht-strong/newsletters/
Friday, August 17, 2012
Week of August 20-24
Week of August 20-24
Science
* Finish up the work with pendulums by investigating the result of changing the length of the pendulums.
* Read the science story "Swingers Through History"
* Review pendulum notes and graphs
* Play "Swinger Bingo"
Social Studies
* We'll be starting our unit on Native Americans.
{Take a look at this website on Native American games and toys}
http://www.nativetech.org/games/index.php
* The project of learning states and capitals will be a long-term ongoing project. This week we're concentrating on the Northeastern states.
_____________________________________________________
(The newsletter should now be available on the MIS website at http://apps.gcsc.k12.in.us/blogs/dknecht-strong/newsletters/ )
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Newsletter - August 13-17
==============================================
Maxwell
Intermediate
Fifth
Grade
Mrs. Knecht-Strong
Miss Greulich
Mr. Ellars
|
Maxwell
Intermediate
102
N. Main Street
Maxwell,
IN 46154
Phone:
317-326-3121
Fax:
317-326-4711
Email:
dknecht-strong@gcsc.k12.in.us
agreulich@gcsc.k12.in.us
jellars@gcsc.k12.in.us
|
For the Week of August 13-17, 2012
Math with Mrs. Knecht-Strong:
- Mon L1-6 Prime &
Composite Numbers; HW SL L 1-6; Game “Factor
Capture”
- Tues L1-7 Square Numbers;
HW SL L 1-7; Game “Factor Bingo”
- Wed L1-8 Unsquaring
Numbers; HW SL L 1-8 Game “Multiplication
Top-It”
- Thurs L1-9 Factor Strings
and Prime Factorization; HW SL L 1-9 Game “Name That Number”
- Fri Power Day- in class
assign Journal pg 15 and 22 for a grade; review games from this week
Social Studies with Mr.Ellars: (http://maxsci.blogspot.com)
- Continued
work on states and capitals this week
- Review of
latitude and longitude
Science/Health with Mr. Ellars: (http://maxsci.blogspot.com)
- Students finished
constructing pendulums and have been investigating pendulum systems.
- This week we’ll
investigate the effect of changing variables in the pendulum system, such
as mass and pendulum length.
- A short quiz on the
pendulum investigations is scheduled for Friday, August 17.
·
Homework: Make sure students are reading 15 minutes every night and
parents are signing their reading calendar!
- Discuss the Riley Poetry Contest
- Continue working with our Daily Five- read to self, read to someone,
listen to reading, work on writing and word study.
- Continue working with our café board- Comprehension, Accuracy,
Fluency and vocabulary
- Frindle test Friday, August 17th
English/Writing
with Miss Greulich:
·
We will introduce our Student Tale Writing
Project this week. Students will begin writing a book that they will later on
publish into a hard back book. Please help your child think of a topic or
person they would like to write their book about. It can be fiction or
non-fiction. Look for a letter coming home explaining this project
in-depth very soon.
Good BEHAVIOR = “FUN FRIDAy”
Please monitor your child’s behavior and responsibility
by checking their assignment notebook each week. Four or less marks for the
week, (codings- see chart taped in the
front of their assignment notebook) earns Fun Friday rewards. Otherwise your child will be meeting with a 5th
grade teacher for study hall to make up missing homework.
We ask that you sign your child’s
notebook at the end of each week to indicate you have checked their assignment
book and have discussed any situations necessary.
Reminders
this week:
*Related Arts Days – Monday, Wednesday, Friday
* Picture Day- Thursday, August 16th
Name ___________________________ Week________________________
How I
studied my multiplication and division facts this week
(Check all
that apply)
Flashcards Games Website Activities
___________ _____________
Must have at
least 45 minutes to earn extra credit for the week
Number of
minutes spent studying facts each day:
Monday
|
Tuesday
|
Wednesday
|
Thursday
|
Total
|
Parent Signature _____________________________________________
“Frindle”
Vocabulary
Vocabulary
Word
|
Meaning
|
acquainted
|
made aware; informed
|
assignment
|
something assigned, a piece of work to be done
|
essential
|
absolutely necessary; very important
|
expanded
|
made larger; increased in size
|
guaranteed
|
made certain that something would happen as a result
|
procedures
|
ways of proceeding; methods of doing things
|
reputation
|
what people think and say the character of someone
or something is
|
worshipped
|
paid great honor and reverence to
|
Dear
Parents/ Guardians,
Attached
you will find information on how to access SuccessTracker, our online reading
resource. SuccessTracker can help you stay informed on your child’s progress in
reading. Fourth grade students take online bi-weekly reading tests, and a
benchmark test is given at the beginning of the year, after each unit, and at
the end of the year.
1.
Login using the user name and password given on the letter
attached.
2.
From the home page, click on the Parents tab at the top.
3.
Check the rectangle that says review all tests and
activities assigned and completed so far.
a.
Make sure to choose Reading Success Tracker.
4.
Click View assignments and progress.
5.
You may click on anything with an underline to get more
information.
6.
If you click on the test it will show you the exact test.
7.
If you click on View Results you will see your student’s
score and the questioned answered incorrectly.
8.
IF you click on the underlined number next to a red x you
will see the incorrect answer chose by your student.
9.
At the bottom of the Test Results page, you will see the
skills that your student needs to continue to work on. These are skills that
will be focused on in small groups and during center time.
10.
From the Home page you can access an online version of your
student’s reading textbook.
We hope that you will take advantage of
this resource! Please let us know if you have any questions.
Thank You,
Miss Greulich
Reading Teacher
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